Audi is taking aim at the new Porsche Boxster and upcoming second-generation Porsche Cayman with a spectacular 174mph version of the Audi TT RS, seen here for the first time. Called the Audi TT RS plus, the powered up coupe and roadster pairing will join what is shaping up as a formidable display of new Audi models - the third-gen Audi A3 and Audi RS4 Avant included - at the Geneva motor show in March.
The centrepiece of the new range-topping TT is a tuned version of Audiâs turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder direct injection petrol engine â as used by the go-fast TT RS, RS3 Sportback and limited production A1 quattro.

Mounted transversely over the front wheels in a unique carbonfibre-trimmed engine bay, the four-valve-per-cylinder unit delivers an added 20bhp and 11lb ft of torque over the standard tune of the engine. Power is up to 355bhp and 343lb ft â some 44bhp and 78lb ft more than the new Boxster Sâs naturally aspirated 3.4-litre horizontally opposed six-cylinder.

Among the changes brought to the compact powerplant - known internally as EA855 - is a revised inlet manifold and increased turbocharger boost pressure. Together, they provide the 1450kg TT RS plus coupe with a power-to-weight ratio of 244bhp per tonne, with the TT RS plus roadster coming in at 235bhp per tonne.

Engineers at Audiâs quattro division have also provided the TT RS plus with an exhaust system flap that opens on generous applications of the throttle for added aural effect.

Like the Audi TT RS, drive is channeled through a standard six-speed manual gearbox to all four wheels via a Haldex style multi-plate clutch. A seven-speed dual clutch S-tronic gearbox featuring a launch control function is available as an option.

With the system, the TT RS plus coupe will storm from standstill to 62mph in just 4.1sec, with the slightly heavier roadster taking 4.2sec. In manual form, they require an additional 0.2sec respectively, according to Ingolstadtâs official performance figures. Top speed in both cases is limited to 174mph â up by 19mph on the standard TT RS, which is limited to 155mph.

The gain in performance is achieved without any dramatic effect on consumption, which Audi puts at 33.2mpg for the coupe and 32.8mpg for the roadster. By comparison, the new mid-engined/rear-wheel drive Boxster S, which also makes its debut in Geneva, reaches 62mph in a claimed 5.0sec, tops out at 169mph and returns a combined 35.3mpg.

Buyers can specify an optional adaptive damping system that uses magnetically accutated dampers to vary the firmness as part of Audiâs Drive Select system. The standard brake package is retained, with four-piston calipers and crossdrilled steel discs sited up front.

A series of exterior styling changes help distinguish the TT RS plus. Included, is a new look grille that uses a high gloss anthracite coloured diamond pattern plastic insert and matt aluminium look plastic frame. The exterior mirrors have also been altered with new CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced plastic) housings, while the sizeable tailpipes receive black oval trims. Thereâs also a redesigned fixed wing for added downforce and stability at speed.

Production of the TT RS plus will begin in April, although UK sales details are unknown. Audi has, however, confirmed that both coupe and roadster versions will be produced in right-hand drive form at its Gyor factory in Hungary alongside other TT models and the A3 cabriolet.
In Germany, the TT RS plus is priced at â¬60,650 (around £50,845) for the coupe and â¬63,500 (£53,235) for the roadster. The optional seven-speed dual-clutch S-tronic gearbox adds â¬2150 (£1800) in each case. UK pricing is yet to be revealed.

Considering you can order the "standard" TT RS with the limiter removed which makes it capable of 174mph, the plus seems rather expensive over the standard car. Plus if you get it mapped it will be more powerful than the Plus too...

Considering you can order the "standard" TT RS with the limiter removed which makes it capable of 174mph, the plus seems rather expensive over the standard car. Plus if you get it mapped it will be more powerful than the Plus too...

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